Projo 7 to 7 News Blog

Newport Grand tonight will celebrate the completion of a $28 million renovation that has replaced its former jai alai space with additional blackjack tables and video slots.

The project, which was originally targeted for completion at the end of 2006, took two years longer than expected, and its debut comes as the nation faces some of its most dire economic troubles in years. In Lincoln, the recently renovated Twin River slot parlor's bond rating has dropped, and there's speculation that the facility is headed into bankruptcy.

As part of the renovation, Newport Grand's 22,000-square foot jai alai fronton was divided into three floors, including one with 500 additional video slots and six virtual blackjack tables, where up to five players can sit at a table and play an electronic version of the casino game.

The additional space allowed Newport Grand to increase its number of video slots to 1,500.

Tonight's celebration includes the following speakers: Diane Hurley, co-owner and CEO of Newport Grand; Newport Grand general manager Joe Moore; Keith Stokes, executive director of the Newport County Chamber of Commerce, and Evan Smith, chief executive officer of the Newport Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Legislative leaders were also invited to attend. Those invited to the celebration will have an opportunity to tour the newly refurbished areas and to try their hand at the video slots or virtual blackjack tables.

-- With reports from Journal staff writer Rich Salit

 Tags  Evan Smith Newport County Chamber of Commerce Newport Grand

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